Detachable cap



Oct. 1s, 193,8.

H. J. MURPHY 2,133,785

DETACHABLE CAP Filed NOV. 8, 1935 Invenozf: flowafdJMH/Py 53j M fggy@ Patented Oct. 18,1938 y Y l Y UNITED .STATES PATENT OFFICE DE'IAHABLE CAP Howard J. Murphy, Greenwood, Mass., assignor to United-Carr Fastener Corporation, Cambridge, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Applicatiil November 8, 1935, Serial N0. 48,845

4 Claims. (Cil. 40-20) Y My invention relates to improvements in dee which is attached to material for ornamental tachable caps, used in connection with buttons -`purposes only. Also, in order to carry out best or similar objects, for identifying or ornamental the purposes of my invention, I have employed a purposes. button having a sloping under surface for rea- 5 Referring to the drawing which represents a 4sons which will be hereinafter more fully de- `5 preferred embodiment of my invention: scribed. v

' Figure 1 is a front view of a strip of material The particular construction of my identifying with my improved cap assembled with a button cap is most clearly set out in Figs. -1--3 which or fastener head and completely concealing the illustrate a device formed of a square, substanl same; v'tially box-like shape, having a base plate 5 and l0 Fig. 2 is an enlarged section taken on the 'line lthe side walls 6 extending at substantially right 2-2 of Fig. l; angles to the plate. The plate 5 is preferably Fig. 3 is an enlarged rear View of my improved slightly curved in cross-section sc as to follow in cap; some degree a curved contour of the button. An

l5 Fig. 4 is a side view of my cap shown in Fig'B'; identifying means 1 is pressed into the material 15 and l yof the plate 5, in my preferred form, as repre- Fig. 5 is a section taken on the line 5-5 of sented by the initial H in Figs. 1 and 3. The Fig. 4. initial could, of course, be painted or otherwise The purpose of my invention is to provide a affixed to the plate or, if the cap is to be used cap device which may be secured to buttons or solely as an ornament, the outside surface of the 20 the like objects as a means of identification. plate and side walls could be attractively em- My cap device is so formed that it not only serves bellished.

a useful purpose as an identifying means, but, For the purpose of providing snap fastener at the same time, has great ornamental value due action in the identifying cap 4, I have formed to the fact that it presents a novel and attractive the depressed portions providing detents 8 which 25 appearance when located on the outside of the may be suitably located at various points on the article. side walls, but which I have preferably located The particular features of my invention make between the corners and directly opposite to each it especially useful in connection with overshoes other as shown in Fig. 3. For the correct workor similar articles which have a definite need for ing of my device, the distance between opposite 30 an identifying mark. The caps are so condepressed portions should be less than the greatstructed that a supply of them carrying different est diameter of the button. The portions 8 are initials may be kept at hand by the store selling formed by indenting portions of the material of the articles with which the caps are to be assemthe side walls adjacent to the free edges inwardly bled, and the properly marked cap may be quickly toward the center of the cap as best shown in 35 and easily attached to an article at the time it is Figs. 3-5. bought. In assembling the parts of my installation, the

Referring in more detail to the embodiment button 3 is first secured to the material l in any of my invention, as illustrated by the drawing, suitable manner. The free edges of the side walls Fig. 2 shows a strip of material I which may be of the identifying cap are then moved into cor- 40 similar to that used in the construction of overrect engaging position with relation to the butshoes. A snap fastener socket 2 of any suitable ton and the cap is snapped over the button until construction is attached to the strip I and the it completely surrounds the same as shown in snap fastener cap or button 3 is located on the Fig. 2. During this snapping movement the deother side of the strip from the stud receiving pressed portions 8 will engage the edges of the 45 part. My improved identifying cap 4 is securely button and, as the cap is pushed downwardly assembled with the snap fastener button 3 and into final position, the side walls of the cap will attached, in my preferred form, to conceal comexpand slightly, due to the fact that the distance pletely the cap 3 from view, as shown in Figs. between the depressed portions is less than the 1 and 2. Although I have preferably assembled diameter of the button, permitting the depressed 50 my identifying cap with a button of a snap portions to be moved over the greatest width of fastener socket device, it must be noted that I do the button into final position substantially opnot wish to be limited to that particular composite the sloping under surface of the button, bination, as my cap could be assembled equally as shown in Fig. 2. As the ydepressed portions well with a button of a stud means, or a button are moved into iinal position, the side walls will 55 contract so that the cap is rmly attached to the button. The cap may be disengaged at will by exerting a relatively strong upward pull upon one of the side walls. Unintentional rotation of the cap relative to the button is prevented by the strong friction grip which the fastening means of the cap exerts upon the outside surface of the button.

I have described a square cap which I have found as best serving the objects of my invention, but I do not wish to be limited to that particular formation. because success has been had with caps of other shapes which require only a slightly modified construction from that described in connection with my preferred means. Therefore, although I have illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of my invention, I do not wish to be limited thereby, because the scope of my invention is best set forth in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In combination with a button or the like, a cap for attachment thereto, said cap adapted to enclosethe top and sides of said button and comprising a plate portion having a continuous side wall extending therefrom, portions of said side wall being spaced from said button, and said side wall having detents formed therein and located adjacent to the free edge thereof in positions to engage said button when said cap is moved into contact therewith whereby said side Wall is expanded in portions and contracted in other portions to permit said cap to be attached to said button by a snap fastener action.

2. In combination with a button or the like, a cap comprising a plate having a continuous yieldable side Wall of greater circumference than the greatest circumference of said button and adapted to cover said button, said side wall having circumferentially disposed button engaging means extending toward each other from said Wall and adapted to be engaged beneath a portion of the said button by a combination lateral contraction and expansion action of said wall.

3. In combination with a button or the like having an inwardly sloping under surface, an identification cap comprising a plate having imperforate side walls extending from said plate and surrounding at least a part of said button, portions of the side walls being spaced from the edges of the button, said side walls being of a size and shape relative to the size and shape of said button to permit lateral yielding movement relative to said button and having a plurality of detents formed therein adjacent the free edges thereof and disposed at substantially diametrically opposite points, said detents adapted to engage the sloping under surface of said button when said cap is moved into contact, and said detents causing lateral movement of the walls during lateral movement of said detents when forced over the edges of said button thereby to secure said cap to said button by a snap fastener action.

4. The combination with a substantially round button having a beaded edge of a detachable indicia bearing device as described having a substantially flat rectangular top, resilient side walls extending downwardly from said top and having a portion adapted to extend below the beaded edge of said button, said lower side wall portions having inwardly extending shoulders midway of the ends thereof, whereby to permit said side walls to be exed for removable attachment to said button.

HOWARD J. MURPHY. 

